Wilma C. Hilbert

Wilma Bryant Hilbert, 101, of St. Petersburg, FL, formerly of Belle, WV, died August 7, 2017 after a short illness. Wilma was born on December 25, 1915 in Madison, WV, daughter of Delmer and Carrie Thompson Hill. She graduated valedictorian from Scott High School, Madison, WV and then attended Alderson-Broaddus College, where her children established a scholarship in her name in 2006. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Morris Harvey College in Charleston, WV and a Masters in Education from Marshall University. She was a member of The Church By The Sea, Madeira Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida in 1976, Wilma was a member of Judson Baptist Church, Belle, WV where she taught Sunday school and played organ for 26 years. She taught first grade for 25 years at Belle Grade School, Belle, WV, helping many children adapt to their first experience away from home in their educational journey. Wilma is survived by her son Dr. James Bryant II (Sue) of Bridgeport, WV, daughter Carolyn Speckman (Frank) of Indianapolis, IN, son Bill Bryant (Nancy) of Seabrook Island, SC, step-daughter Lynne Naylor (Larry) of Middlefield, OH, 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Dorothy Hatfield and Elizabeth Hill; first husband James Bryant, and second husband Ford Hilbert. A memorial service will be held on August 11, 2017 at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 7820 38th Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL followed by a private burial at Garden Sanctuary in Seminole, FL. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wilma Bryant Hilbert Scholarship Fund, Alderson Broaddus University, 101 College Hill Road, Philippi, WV 26416.